How to Write A Successful Grant Application
The following has been supplied to assist community groups to make funding applications. However, it should not be taken as a definitive guide covering all areas of concern and it is recommended that further advice is sought where appropriate.
Getting Started
When deciding whether to seek funding for a project your group has to consider some basic questions. For instance, have you:
- Identified, and can you show clearly, that there is a need for your project?
- Gathered information/research material to prove the need?
- Considered whether you should have partners to help share the work load?
- Decided who within the organisation can drive the project forward and can they show that they are capable of running the project and have enough free time to spend doing so?
You should also identify people who may be sympathetic and prepared to help:
- Who could you "co-opt" onto your committee to strengthen your position and / or help shape your project? (People with specific expertise and experience)
- Who should you inform about your project (local councillor, neighbours, legal permissions etc)?
- Don't waste time and money re-inventing the wheel if others can help.
Setting Priorities
It is important to decide priorities. Make a list of all the tasks involved in making your application, and prioritise them. Each task should be allocated to a person, and each task should have a deadline. Combine the tasks into a logical "action plan". Time is important, but getting it right is more important.
Ready To Go
Before beginning to prepare a funding application, check your plan once more to ensure it covers such issues as:
- sustainability (can your project support itself financially after the initial funding period)
- realistic revenue projections (honest financial forecasts of weekly / monthly / annual income)
- coherence (is your project easy to understand and explained logically)
- Who is going to deal with any follow-up questions or calls?
Application Structure
An application should have clear structure. When applying for grants you will usually be asked to complete a set application form, for unsolicited applications a suggested outline is:
- Project title
- Introduction - who you are
- Proposal Summary
- The problem or need and who will benefit from the project
- What you want to achieve
- How you will do it
- How you will monitor your results
- How much money you will need
- How much money will you raise from your own and / or other funding sources.
Next Steps
The next step is to draw up a list of potential funders. To do this, you will need to do some research. For example:
- Research potential funders
- Choose funders whose criteria the project fits
- Make contact before you prepare your application to ensure your project fits the funders' criteria
- Find out the funders' timetables or timescales for reply
- State clearly where you hope to find all the funding.
Practical Tips
- If you can, always type up the application form
- Make sure you enclose all of the documentation that is requested
- Choose your referees carefully
- Make sure your referees have a copy of the proposal
- If the Trust or funder has a website, check it out before making the application
- Letters of support from relevant prominent people may be useful
- Always try and raise some money locally as a "community contribution to the project"
- Don't give up. If in doubt, ask the funder(s) for help.
